Iraqi Kurdistan’s prime minister visits Abu Dhabi to discuss regional security

Masrour Barzani arrived in the UAE capital on Tuesday

Masrour Barzani, prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan, arrives in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to discuss security in the region. Photo: @masrour_barzani

Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan, arrived in Abu Dhabi for high-level talks, UAE state news agency Wam reported on Tuesday.

“I'm pleased to be in Abu Dhabi to explore economic co-operation opportunities and discuss regional security with the leadership here,” Mr Barzani said on Twitter.

Mr Barzani has served as prime minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since June 2019.

On January 17, Mr Barzani condemned the terrorist attack on Abu Dhabi, saying his thoughts were with the injured and the families of those who had died in the blast.

Mr Barzani met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during his visit to the UAE capital.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Barzani discussed relations between the UAE and Iraq, particularly in relation to the Kurdistan Region. They talked about ways to co-operate further in various fields, and exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and efforts to achieve peace, stability and prosperity.

During the meeting, Mr Barzani condemned the terrorist attack carried out by the Houthis in the UAE. He said their actions flouted international laws and posed a grave threat to regional security.

He also said a strong international alliance was needed to stop terrorist groups and their supporters.

Mr Barzani’s visit to the UAE coincides with the inclusion of Iraq’s Kurdish region in the Iraqi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Kurdish culture, art and investment opportunities will be displayed.

Relations between the UAE and Iraq have grown stronger in recent years.

Last April, the UAE announced $3 billion of investment in Iraq in an attempt to strengthen the economic and investment relations between the two countries.